Red billed firefinch

Introduction: Red-billed firefinches (Lagonosticta senegala) can be observed in thickets and cultivated fields near water, tree-lined rivers and Acacia savannah. Pairs and small groups of up to 30 are common. They will fly under cover when disturbed.

Distribution: Along the Orange River. Epupa Falls and other northern Namibian ranges and from Rundu east to the Bwabwata National Park, Kwando River, Linyanti Marshes and the Chobe/Zambezi River systems.
Diet: Forages mainly on the ground for grass seeds and small insects. Eats termites, flies, small ants and spiders.

Description: A small waxbill with bars or spots on the flanks and breast and an overall reddish plumage.
Breeding: Males build a ball-shaped nest with a side entrance made from dry grass stems and leaves. From 2 to 6 eggs are laid

Size: 10cm.

Weight: 10g.